Methylmercury—a chemical made up of mercury combined with carbon; mainly produced by microscopic organisms in the water and soil

Mercury salts—white powders or crystals formed when mercury combines with elements such as chlorine, sulfur, or oxygen

Metallic mercury
and
methylmercury
easily reach the brain and are more harmful than mercury salts.

Causes

Mercury toxicity may occur when you are exposed to toxic amounts of mercury due to:

Breathing airborne mercury vapors

Eating contaminated food, especially fish or shellfish—Larger and older fish tend to have the highest levels of mercury.

Drinking water contaminated with mercury (rare)

Practicing religious or folk medicine rituals that include mercury

Metallic mercury can be found in consumer products, such as fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, thermostats, and old thermometers. Mercury, combined with other elements, is also found in some types of dental fillings. Research has not shown that this type of filling is harmful to people. Although thimerosol is no longer used in vaccines in the United States, the mercury-containing compound is still used in some countries. Research has not shown that it is harmful to people.

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop mercury toxicity as a result of mercury exposure. Certain people are more likely to be exposed to mercury. The following factors increase your chances of being exposed to mercury. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:

Working in:

Dental services

Health services

The chemical industry

Other industries that use mercury

Electric meter repair

Eating over 6 ounces of white albacore tuna per week

Eating over 12 ounces a week of fish and shellfish that is considered lower in mercury, such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish

Practicing rituals that include mercury

In addition, pregnant women, their unborn fetuses, and young children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of mercury exposure.

Widespread Toxicity in Infant

Fetuses and young children are more vulnerable to the effects of mercury poisoning.

Mercury can cause harmful effects before symptoms develop. It is important to contact your doctor right away if you think you have been exposed to mercury, regardless of your symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they may include:

Redness of the extremities, chest, and nose (dusky pink hands and feet)

Peeling of the hands and feet

Painful extremities

Tremors

Changes in vision or hearing

Insomnia

Weakness

Memory problems

Headache

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Rapid heart beat

Eye irritation

Irritability

Breathing problems

Painful mouth

Abdominal pain

Fever and/or chills

Difficulty concentrating

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:

Blood tests

Urine tests

Scalp hair analysis

Treatment

The most important thing is to stop mercury exposure. Talk with your doctor about other treatments for you. Treatment options include:

Chelation Therapy

Chelation therapy involves putting a chemical known as a chelating agent into the bloodstream. The chelating agent combines with mercury to help remove it from the body. Chelating agents may be given by pill or by injection.

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of getting mercury toxicity, take the following steps:

Avoid using metallic mercury for any purpose.

If you must use metallic mercury, keep it safely stored in a leak-proof container in a secure space, such as a locking closet.

Trade in old thermometers or barometers containing mercury for new ones that do not.

Carefully handle and dispose of items containing mercury, such as thermometers and fluorescent light bulbs.

Do not vacuum or heat spilled mercury.

Teach children not to play with silver liquids.

Properly dispose of old medications that contain mercury.

Keep mercury-containing medications away from children.

Learn about wildlife and fish advisories in your area from your local public health or natural resources department.

Limit fish intake to recommended quantities and avoid fish known to be contaminated by mercury:

Do not eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish.

Eat up to 12 ounces of fish and shellfish considered lower in mercury per week. These fish include shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.

Eat up to 6 ounces of white albacore tuna per week.

If you want to eat local fish, check to make sure the water is not contaminated. In general, limit your intake of local fish to 6 ounces.

If you spill a small amount of metallic mercury:

Remove children from the area.

DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner.

Carefully roll the bead of mercury onto a sheet of paper or suck it up with an eyedropper.

Place the bead in a bag or airtight container.

Contact your local health department to find out how to dispose of the mercury and paper or eye dropper.

What you need to know about mercury in fish and shellfish. Food and Drug Administration website. Available at:
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm110591.htm. Updated June 10, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2015.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.